One of the best things about adult singing lessons is that your voice is already your instrument. You don’t need to purchase any expensive gear to start making music! However, you may be at a point in your singing career where you are ready to record yourself. This could be for your original songs, collaborations or simply to track demos and have high-quality recordings of your singing. We have the best advice for beginners on how to choose a microphone for singing!
When it comes to buying a microphone, you want to be sure that whatever you purchase does justice to your voice and brings your talent to the fore. The key to picking the right microphone is not just choosing the microphone that is the right price, but rather searching for the microphone that is right for your voice.
Two of the most common types of microphones include dynamic and condenser. Dynamic mics tend to be more directional, robust and are often used in live applications. Condenser mics, on the other hand, are much more sensitive, able to pick up delicate intricacies in our voice and are great for studio application. Of course, you can use both for recording at home, so consider your budget and whether you need a mic that performs well both onstage and in the studio.
Some top singers use relatively inexpensive dynamic mics such as the iconic Shure SM58, rather than condenser models, because the dynamic mic gives them a warmer, thicker sound and tends to wear better over time. On the other hand, a breathy, delicate voice can benefit from the detailed high end of a condenser mic. You will want to make sure you use a Cardioid or Hypercardioid microphone to keep out unwanted sounds and reduce feedback.
Dynamic microphone: These vocal mics are made with an inductive coil that is connected to the diaphragm, which moves to move the coil. The movement of the coil in a dynamic microphone is converted into an electric signal, which is then recorded. This movement is caused by the sound waves produced when you talk or sing. Dynamic mics are the kind of microphones you interact with every day as they are mostly used by stage performers and work well in noisy environments. A dynamic microphone is a passive device and doesn’t require an external power supply.
Condenser microphone: Condenser microphones work a bit different from dynamic ones as they use capacitor plates instead of the inductive coil. A condenser mic is more sensitive to even the smallest vibrations and produce distorted sound in noisy environments. A condenser microphone is best used in recording studios and mostly preferred by public speakers and professional singers. Condenser microphones have active electronics within them that require a +48Volt phantom power supply for them to work. This can be supplied from most mixing consoles or from an external power unit. Condenser mics are also used for acoustic instruments such as guitars, flute, violin etc.
There are many reasons why a vocalist should go for a wireless mic. If you’re performing on a stage and you need to move from one point to another, you won’t be restricted by the length of the cord. You can move as you wish, turn in any direction, or dance if you have to. As long as you ensure the power source of your mic is reliable, you won’t have anything barring you from performing your all on stage.
Even the lowest quality microphones do not come cheap. If you’re done your research on vocal microphones, you must agree that they don’t come cheap. This means you should take good care of your investment. It doesn’t matter how much time you’re going to spend doing your research; you should not leave any stone untouched when it comes to finding the best microphone for your vocal recording and singing needs. Look for online reviews, ask around, and go through different testimonials from previous users. You need all these to make an informed decision about buying the best microphone.
